Annotation

This article examines the problems of qualifying crimes related to illegal transactions using electronic means of payment, based on an analysis of parts three to six of Article 187 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, and a note to them defining the concept of illegal transactions and grounds for exemption from criminal liability. The author identifies conceptual contradictions in the definition, difficulties in distinguishing between the lawful and unlawful use of means of payment, as well as the shortcomings of the incentive rule, which makes the exemption from liability dependent on the reporting of accomplices. Formulation of recommendations for improving legislation and law enforcement practice.